Zander zeroes in
ROOSEVELT PARK – Local sports shooter has dedicated his life to mastering the specialsed sport.
The sport of shooting requires a combination of pin-point accuracy and absolute control.
Zander Venter has competed professionally for the past 10 years and enjoys every minute of it. Furthermore, his ability to hit targets with precision has taken him all over the world.
The Roosevelt Park resident said he initially found out about the sport when he was in Grade 9 at Hoërskool Linden. He said shooting requires self-discipline, practise, mental stability and focus. An entire wall in his home is dedicated to his impressive awards and accolades.
“I initially starting shooting with an air rifle and progressed to a .22 rifle. When I moved schools I was introduced to a small ball .22, that I’m doing now. The difference is air rifle shooting is done indoors and .22 is an outdoor activity where we use live ammunition,” said Venter.
He added that last month he represented South Africa at the 13th African Championships in Egypt and won a bronze medal in the 50m prone discipline.
The sharpshooter also came first at the South African Target Rifle Association Nationals last year, competed in the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China, and his team came third in the British Junior International in 2010.
“The sport of shooting is very safe and the rules are strict. Due to the live ammunition you have to get a licence for the gun and go through other procedures in order to own one. In South Africa you shoot five shots per diagram that are made of paper as opposed to the targets overseas that are electronic. My gun was custom-made in Switzerland just for me and my precision jacket is also custom made in order to help with stability and position.”
Zander said he appreciates his family and friends, who are his biggest supporters.
Read: Watch: The best female shot in SA
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